Books Like The Chessmen of Mars
Families who loved The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved The Chessmen of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their middle or high schooler is seeking a classic, high-stakes adventure that emphasizes strategic thinking and personal agency. It is particularly well suited for young readers who enjoy puzzles, chess, or speculative worlds and are looking for a story where a female protagonist must rely on her wits and bravery to escape a dangerous predicament. While it is a product of its era, the story offers a thrilling journey through an imaginative alien landscape. The story follows Princess Tara of Helium as she is stranded in an isolated region of Mars (Barsoom). Captured by the Kaldanes, creatures that are almost entirely brain, and later forced to play a literal game of life-and-death chess called Jetan, Tara must navigate complex social hierarchies and survival challenges. It explores themes of resilience and independence, making it a solid choice for a reader ready for slightly more sophisticated vocabulary and classic sci-fi pacing.
